James Ferraro, 67

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Longtime Staten Islander James Ferraro, 67, of Tottenville, who was recalled as a handyman always willing to help others, died Wednesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay.

Born in the Bronx, he lived in Brooklyn before moving to Tottenville 20 years ago, where he lived year-round on a houseboat in the Tottenville Marina.

He held the boat steady throughout Hurricane Sandy.

"We didn't lose a knick-knack," said his wife of 23 years, the former Dorothy Thorsen, who rode out the storm with her husband.

Mr. Ferraro worked as an oil burner technician for Rucci Oil, West Brighton, for 20 years, retiring in 2011 when he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was known as the go-to guy for anyone who needed help with repairs.

Mr. Ferraro also had a love of boating and setting up Lionel trains around his house.

In addition to his wife, Dorothy, he is survived by two sons, James and Charles; two daughters, Dawn Brunette and Karla Ferraro; a sister, Anna Ferraro; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Arrangments include cremation.